Tractor-Trailer Crashes

Experienced Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 3,921 people died in truck accidents in the United States in 2012. Although no one expects to be involved in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, the consequences can be catastrophic: injuries, loss of wages, and mental distress.

Attorney Brian Steed Tatum has years of experience in helping injured victims and their families work through the complex process of trucking accident investigation and claims in North Carolina and South Carolina. We support our clients and ensure that all claims are diligently pursued in order to get our clients the maximum legal compensation.

Tractor-Trailer Crashes

Tractor-trailer crashes are devastating because 18-wheelers are harder to maneuver than smaller cars. Some semi-trucks also haul dangerous cargo.

The automotive industry is highly regulated to ensure safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations for employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that carry property or passengers across state lines. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) are minimum standards for commercial vehicles and motor carriers:

Commercial driving standards

Hours of service rules

Equipment and safety regulations

Inspections and maintenance requirements

Tractor-trailer litigation is complex because of the regulations that affect the trucking industry. The underlying cause of an accident may not be apparent at first, and the accident investigation is an important first step. If a tire blew out, was it because of improper maintenance or an overloaded truck? If the tractor-trailer “jackknifed,” was it because the cargo was not properly secured to prevent shifting? Was the driver properly trained and rested or allowed to operate the vehicle?

Once the cause of the accident is determined, a victim may have more than one claim. The truck driver may have caused the accident, but the trucking company, the truck maintenance crew, the cargo loading company, or a manufacturer of parts may have all contributed to the accident, which could make all of them responsible.

North Carolina and South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

If a FMCSR violation has resulted in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, medical bills, loss of wages, and more. Given the complexities in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you must seek legal counsel to ensure that you receive any and all compensation that you deserve.

The Tatum Law Firm is committed to serving clients involved in truck accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Our experienced and dedicated truck accident attorney, Brian Steed Tatum, will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, please contact our office for assistance at (704) 307-4350 or online for a free case evaluation.

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Practice Areas

We serve the following localities:

Cabarrus County including Concord and Kannapolis; Catawba County including Newton; Gaston County including Belmont and Gastonia; Iredell County including Mooresville and Statesville; Lancaster County including Lancaster; Lincoln County including Lincolnton; Mecklenburg County including Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Pineville, and Mint Hill; Rowan County including Salisbury; Union County including Indian Trail and Monroe; and York County including Fort Mill and Rock Hill.